AFC Sushi at Safeway Passes Health Inspection Clean Standards

AFC Sushi @ Safeway #2646 in San Francisco's Inner Richmond district demonstrated excellent food safety standards during a routine health inspection on December 4, 2025, earning a passing grade that reinforces customer confidence in the establishment's commitment to cleanliness and proper food handling procedures. The Japanese cuisine counter, located at 735 7th Avenue near the 38 Geary bus line, showcased exemplary food safety practices during the 30-minute inspection conducted by San Francisco Department of Public Health inspector Lucas Willis. Most notably, the facility maintained proper food temperatures throughout the inspection, with sushi rice pH measuring 4.01, well within the acceptable safety range that prevents harmful bacterial growth.

Food Safety Excellence

The inspection revealed a kitchen operation that prioritizes customer health and safety through meticulous attention to food handling protocols. The proper pH level of the sushi rice demonstrates the establishment's understanding of critical food safety principles, particularly important for raw fish preparation where temperature and acidity control are essential for preventing foodborne illness. Inspector Willis found the facility's food storage, preparation areas, and employee hygiene practices to be in compliance with California Retail Food Code standards. The quick response to the single minor violation identified during this inspection demonstrated the staff's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.

Professional Equipment Maintenance

The only violation cited involved debris buildup in the fan cover for the cold top cooler, a minor non-food contact surface cleaning issue that was immediately corrected on-site. This type of proactive maintenance response illustrates the establishment's dedication to maintaining clean equipment that supports safe food preparation and storage. The facility's cold storage systems are clearly well-maintained, ensuring proper temperatures for perishable ingredients essential to Japanese cuisine preparation. The immediate correction of the fan cover cleaning demonstrates staff awareness and responsiveness to potential issues before they can impact food safety.

Customer Confidence and Community Impact

For residents and visitors in the Inner Richmond neighborhood, AFC Sushi's passing inspection provides assurance that the establishment maintains rigorous standards for food safety and cleanliness. The location's accessibility via public transportation, particularly the 38 Geary bus route, makes it a convenient option for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine prepared under proper health and safety conditions. The establishment's performance reflects positively on the Advanced Fresh Concepts franchise system, which operates sushi counters in grocery store locations across the region. The maintained standards suggest consistent training and oversight that benefits customers seeking fresh, safely prepared sushi and other Japanese dishes.

Inspection Process and Standards

The routine inspection, lasting from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed standard San Francisco Department of Public Health protocols for evaluating food service establishments. The comprehensive review covered food storage temperatures, employee hygiene practices, equipment cleanliness, and overall facility sanitation. The fact that only one minor violation was identified and immediately corrected speaks to the establishment's ongoing commitment to exceeding basic health requirements. This level of compliance ensures customers can dine with confidence, knowing their food is prepared in a clean, well-maintained environment that prioritizes their health and safety. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections